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Communications technician vs broadband technician

The differences between communications technicians and broadband technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a communications technician has an average salary of $52,222, which is higher than the $41,187 average annual salary of a broadband technician.

The top three skills for a communications technician include customer service, rehabilitation and hand tools. The most important skills for a broadband technician are broadband, work ethic, and TV.

Communications technician vs broadband technician overview

Communications TechnicianBroadband Technician
Yearly salary$52,222$41,187
Hourly rate$25.11$19.80
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs125,698108,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

What does a communications technician do?

A communications technician utilizes their expertise in electronics by diagnosing issues and repairing devices ranging from cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. They are responsible for troubleshooting and discussing the extent of malfunction with clients. Technicians diagnose the root of the problem and determine which corrective measure to take. A communications technician may work independently or as a member of a company. Most of the time, they have to consult with the clients over the pricing and kind of repairs, and then offer replacement parts.

What does a broadband technician do?

A broadband technician specializes in installing and maintaining telecommunication systems such as telephone lines, broadband internet, and cable television. Their job usually entails traveling to different residential areas or business establishments to perform on-site installations, inspections, or disconnections. They respond to issues and concerns, inspect systems for damages, troubleshoot problems, fix or replace components, and maintain records. Moreover, a broadband technician also assists clients by answering inquiries, providing cost estimates, educating the clients about the situation, or refer other products or services when necessary.

Communications technician vs broadband technician salary

Communications technicians and broadband technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications TechnicianBroadband Technician
Average salary$52,222$41,187
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $91,000Between $32,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityTualatin, OR-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyPacifi-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between communications technician and broadband technician education

There are a few differences between a communications technician and a broadband technician in terms of educational background:

Communications TechnicianBroadband Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityNew York University

Communications technician vs broadband technician demographics

Here are the differences between communications technicians' and broadband technicians' demographics:

Communications TechnicianBroadband Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between communications technician and broadband technician duties and responsibilities

Communications technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain communications for users on FMC's IBM SNA network.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Complete installs and ensure that they are up to code base on current NEC, NESC, and OSHA regulations.
  • Install and configure Cisco routers.
  • Perform installations of Safeway POS systems.
  • Test cable lines and equipment to NEC standards.
  • Show more

Broadband technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Audit cable lines and be in accordance to OSHA standards.
  • Respond to repair service calls to troubleshoot and resolve installation issues.
  • Install and configure communications racks with assort patch panels, routers, radios, and power assemblages.
  • Design homes and businesses up to 700 RF connections and 200 Ethernet connections plus large scale 80211 (Wi-Fi).
  • Work with coax and ethernet phone lines.
  • Show more

Communications technician vs broadband technician skills

Common communications technician skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Fiber Optic, 9%
  • Patch Panels, 5%
  • Telephone Systems, 4%
Common broadband technician skills
  • Broadband, 22%
  • Work Ethic, 7%
  • TV, 7%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Electronic Devices, 5%
  • OSHA, 4%

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